FAMILY DAYS: production line

For Christmas, my middle monkey made me a button bracelet from the pretty buttons in my button stash.  I saw the bracelet about a month before Christmas; but, had no idea it was for me.  He put it together using a caramel coloured pipe cleaner and some shiny metal buttons (his favourites).

On Christmas morning, he handed me a pretty little box that he carefully wrapped himself.  On top was the cutest little tag that was made from a thick piece of golden wrapping paper that he hand cut and folded.... on the inside it simply said, 'To: Mom.  From: Marek' with a sweet happy face.  My heart gushed and I had to hold back the tears.... I mean, really, I hadn't even opened the gift yet; but, I knew I would cherish it forever....

So, in his ultimate wisdom, and I'm sure after days of processing my tearful thank you to him, he came to me and said, 'I want to make button bracelets for our yard sale.  Because if you like yours so much, so will other Mommy's.'  My heart exploded, and I knew, even more than I had ever known before, that these moments were the reason I wanted to be a Mom.

And today, on this frigidly cold Sunday, we decided to start production in the button factory.  I'll I just say this.... I was in my crafty glory, sitting with my three monkeys, working away, watching them sort through the ga-zillions of buttons we have.... These pretty necklaces and bracelets are the fruits of our efforts today....

For girls; pretty ribbon and button necklaces made by the hands of my two boy monkeys, with help picking colours from the girl-babe; and elastic threaded bracelets made by Mommy.  My oldest monkey had the brilliant idea to make army man necklaces for boys.... so this week we'll be taking a trip to the dollar store for some army men and hemp lacing....

I love that they want to have their own sale table for our annual community yard sale.  I love the initiative, and the excitement they feel over doing something for themselves; and the pride they have in their ideas and finished product....

They make me love them more and more every. single. day.

Happy family day everyone  ;)


p.s.  stay tuned, we're back in the swing of things here on the blog.... starting tomorrow!

FAMILY DAYS: craft show

While daddy is working away keeping people safe, the monkeys and I will be going to a 'Giant Craft Show' in our little town. 

We've never been before, so it should be fun.... I have one monkey (the oldest) who really doesn't want to go; however, once he gets there I'm sure I'll be hearing a lot of "can you buy this for me?".... the middle monkey, is just like me, he loves anything crafty-artsy-handmade (that's how I know we were meant to be).... and well, the monkey-babe, she just tags along and will undoubtedly be 'hands-on' with EVERYTHING....

One thing's for sure, it will be an adventure - and one that I am happy to share with three out of four of the peeps I love most in this world....

Have a happy, happy family day my lovelies  ;)

FAMILY DAYS: lights

The tree is up.... but still naked.... Arg!  The lights don't work!  Thankfully, I made sure to test them all before stringing them onto the tree.... So, first thing this morning, I'll be rushing out to Canadian Tire for some new ones.

The lights we have are the old, not-so-energy-efficient kind.  While I love saving energy where I can, I am not a lover of the new LED lights.... I really don't like the harsh glow of them.  My mother assures me that they've come a long way since they were first introduced.... She tells me there are softer glowing LED's that look similar to my old ones.  Nevertheless, I am stuck buying these new, less desirable type regardless of whether I like them or not.... there are no longer any other options in lighting.

I know they'll grow on me.... and I also know that what it really comes down to is this.... my tree will be getting dressed by my little family while we listen to Christmas songs and drink eggnog.... and make more wonderful family memories.... The colour and glow of the lights is really an insignificant thing when you look at the bigger picture....

my birdhouse all dressed for the season

We'll be together, and that's what matters most.... I'm very thankful for that....

Have a fantastic Sunday everyone  ;)

FAMILY DAYS: yummy-ness = togetherness

It doesn't matter how busy our week was, or what conflicts we've had, Sunday mornings are always reserved for this....

On today's menu:  pumpkin spice, o.j. and earl grey.... cartoons and TONS of snuggles.... life is good.
Have a fantastic family day  ;)

FAMILY DAYS: sprouting up

At 12:05 Monday morning,  this little monkey will turn 3 years old....

Yeah, I know!  Where does the time go?

Aaaanyway, today we will be hosting a perfectly pink and pretty purple princess party!  I always said, that if I had a daughter, there would be no way she would be the foofy type.... WOW! Was I ever WRONG!

Ok, so she's not all the way pinkalicious, but she does show some love for the girlie things; while at the same time, thanks to two older brothers, she loves this too....

YAY!  Yay for me, I'm so NOT the girlie-type.... and YAY for Daddy who wants nothing more than to see his little princess play hockey....

Anyhow.... I'll post some pictures of the party later (maybe today, maybe another day)....

Have a great family day  ;)

FAMILY DAYS: little bits of life

Halloween came and went.... and it was busy, so busy as it always is; but, so much fun.... The rest of the week was spent reeling children back from sugar-highs, making lunches, studying for math and spelling tests, laundry, and everything else that makes a house a home and a bunch of people a family....

Daddy and the boys had a Boys Day Out on Saturday afternoon and ventured to see the movie Real Steel and eat HUGE tubs of popcorn in the theatre.... the boys were so excited....  The girl babe and I played with Calliou's treehouse then went for a long walk that proved to be too much freshness for her little body to bear, she fell asleep and I was left to explore my thoughts on a beautiful sunshine-y fall day....  Did I ever tell you fall is my favourite?

This week, we've enjoyed a much needed break from hockey.... I'm very thankful for the tournament that was scheduled at our arena this weekend and forced our schedule to be put on hiatus.... and in a stroke of luck, Daddy just happened to be off work too!  So much family time.... I love these simple times we spend together...

Have a lovely Sunday with those you love  ;)